Pencil



i 2 Sheets-Sheet 1` PENCIL Y 07707176525? /ikf/ /f/ c. R. KEERAN Filed-Jan. 22. 1918 April 28, 1925.

April 28, 1925. 1,536,017

c. R. KEERAN PENCIL v l Filled Jan.A 22, 1918 2 Sheets-sheep z Patented Apr. 28., 1925.

v UNITED STATES' PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES Iz. IIEERAN, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

'ro AUTOPOINT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, or CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORA- TION OF ILLINOIS..

PENCIL.

Application med January 22, 191s.

7 '0 all whom. Vt may concern.'

Be it known that I, Gianna-:s R. KnnnAN,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pencils, ot' which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a pencil equipped with propelling mechanism interiorly of its body, and operable by means exterior-ly thereof. for advancing into operative position a lead at one end, and an eraser at the other.

Similar pencil constructions are described and claimed in Letters Patent to Keeran Nos. 1,372,354, March 22, 1921, and 1,441,000, Jan. 2, 1923, the applications for which were copending here-with.

For its objects my invention aims to provide an improved and simplified lead propelling mechanism; to use the same mechanism for propelling aneraser; to accommo- `date in the pencil body a relatively long lead; to provide a magazine of ample capacity for reserve leads to devise a combined lead and eraser ropelling mechanism capable of use, wit lout modification, with a pencil of the non-magazine t ypeg' and generally to strengthen the construction, reduce the number of parts, and cheapen the costof manufacture, of the-pencil. These, as well as other objects which will presently appeaigeare clearly set forth in the appended specification and claims, wherein reference is made to certain embodiments of my invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which- Figure 1 is a longitudinal section through a pencil of the magazine type, the parts being shown in their relation to a Jr'ull length section of lead ready for use;

Fig. 2 is a similar view, the parts being shown in their relation to a stub section of lead which has been advanced to its limit;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. l, excepting that it shows a pencil of the non-magazine type;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged transverse section taken on line 4-4 ot Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged transverse section taken on line of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an end view of a detached partition nleml'er, such as is shown in Fig. 4;

vshowing in longitudinal section the eraser Serial N0. 213,241.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view propelling parts, the leraser in this view be` ing full length;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the relation of the eraser propelling parts when the eraser has just been advanced;

Fig. 9 is a View similar to Fig. 8 showing the relation of the parts after the propelling plunger has been retracted;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail in longitudinal sectionof certain parts intermediate the ends .of the pencil;

Fig. 11 is a detail in longitudinal section of the lower end of the rotatable Sleeve; and

Figs. 12 and 13 are details in section and elevation respectively. of theJ upper end of the core.

In the use which will hereafter be made of the terms upper and lower, it should be understood that reference is being made to the pencil as it is pointed in use-that is, with the eraser end up, and the writing end down.

The body ot the pencil illustrated in Figs.e 1 and 2 consists of a cylindrical casing 20, its lower ,end 21 being tapered. Situated centrally within the pencil is a hollow core 22 having its lower end 23 projected through the tapered end of the casing. In practice I prefer to form an annular shoulder 24: near the core extremity, as Shown, adapted to abut the lower end of the pencil taper when the parts are finally assembled.

Surrounding the core 22 is a tube 25 whose outside diameter is Slightly reduced in the region of its lower end, thus providing a shoulder 26 against which abuts a circular brace plate or washer 27, the extremity of the tube 25 being beveled` as at 2S where it meets with the inner side of thc pencil taper. This tube is of slightly rcduced internal diameter commencing with a shoulder 20 formed about midway of its length, and from that part upward encases a hollow Sleeve 30, whose inner diameter is approximately the Same as that of the core 22. This inner sleeve 30 is provided at its lower end with a few threads 31 which project into its bore (see Fig. 11). Arranged withinthe tube 25 and core 22 is a plunger having threads for the greater part of its length adapted to mesh with the sleeve iss4 threads 31, and provided near its lower end with a laterally projecting iin 33 adapted to lie within a slot 34 formed in the core and extending from its upper end nearly to the pencil extremity. The tip end of the core which emerges through the tapered y, end of the pencil is slightly contracted to` frictionally engage the lead as it is propelled therethrough so as to hold the same lirmly. The upper end 35 of the core, best shown in Fig. 13, is preferably slanted across, the walls being then beveled inwardly. lVhen asselnbled (see Fig. 10), the outer edge ofthe core end ate-,its highest point is situated slightly beneath the shoulder 29. The purpose of this arrangement is (l) to prevent the plunger or a new lead when inserted from lodging against the core end when either is inserted into the pencil, and (2) to present a deflecting surf ace to thetin 33 such as to cause the plunger to be turned until the iin is aligned with the slot 34 and can enter therein. o

Between the tube 25 and the inner sides of the casing is an annular space which may be used as a magazine for storing a reserve supply of leads. In the construction shown, I prefer to divide this magazine space into four compartments, and for this purpose I employ four partition members each designated generally by the numeral 36 and consisting of two radially disposed portions 37 connected by an are shaped portion 38 (see Fig. 6). These partition members may extend from near the upper endof the pencil casingwhere it is inset and threaded as atv 39 down to the point where the tapered end 21 commences. In practice I prefer to form these partition members of some material that is light, thin, and slightly resilient, such, for instance, as aluminum, so that they may be sprung into place and be held firmly against movement by their own ,spring action.

The parts thus far described include the principal operating elements for propelling the lead through the pencil. In assembling, the brace plate or washer 27 is adjusted on the tube 25 which is next inserted in the casing, the core 22 is then introduced through the pointed end of the casing` and made fast to the tube 25, and the partition members are thereafter sprung into place. By this operation, the plate 27 is likewise forced against thetapered walls of the pencil, so that in this manner these parts become firmly positioned in operative relation. The several partition members, besides affording a desirable support for the leads in the magazine, serve also to maintain the tube 25 centrally within the casing. It is to be understood, of course, that solder or other appropriate means may he used additionally, if desired, to securely hold the parts against displacement.

The vdescription thus far deals only. with ever, in connection with a non-magazine' type of pencil, having a body of wood, hard rubber, fibre, or the like. Such a pencil is represented in Fig. 3. In this construction, the body designated as 40 is provided with a central bore adapted to receive a core 22, non-rotatably secured therewithin by a friction tit or otherwise, a ferrule 41 reinforcing the tip end vof the pencil where the core emerges therefrom. A sleeve 30 is `"rotatably positioned in the upper end of the pen- 'cil body having internal threads 3l adapted to mesh with the threads of @plunger-32 in a manner similar to that already' described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. The upper end of the pencil body is likewise inset and threaded as at 39, the same as in the construction of Figs. 1 and 2, the purposeh whereof will presently more fully appear. A

Referring more particularly to Figs. 7, 8, and 9, it will be noted that I have shown .in

enlarged'detail views the arrangement of the parts which constitute the eraser propelling mechanism. As already explained the upper end of the casing may be inset and threaded as at 39 to receive thereon a threaded collar 45 whose upper edge is flanged inwardly as at 46. When assembled in this manner the exterior surface of the pencil is maintained even Aand smooth at tlie point of connection between the collar and casing. Rotatably connected with the collar is a bushing 47 having-a headV 48 at its lower end arranged to underlie the inturned upper edge 46 of the collar, and formed with a boss 49 within which the upper end of the rotatable sleeve 30 is securely held. A sleeve 50 is fastened upon the outer surface of the bushing 47, its upper end being preferably inturned to provide"a gripping flange 51 which engages with an eraser 52. the lower end of the sleeve being adapted to rest upon the upper side of the flange 46 on the collar 45. It will be understood that the sleeve 50 and bushing 47 are inseparably connected so that they are rotatable as a unit and with independence of the collar 45, to thereby cause rotation of the sleeve 30 within the' pencil body. The sleeve 50, however, together with its associated parts. which may be termed the head of the pencil, is readily detachable therefrom whenever desired.

The inner surface of the bushing 47 is formed with threads to receive a threaded eraser plate 53 adapted, when revolved within the bushing. to advance long zitudinally7 therewithin. The upper face of this eraser plate is formed with a slot 54 capableot receiving an instrument when the eraser means, so as to enable the operator to rotate contained, it being the plate and thereby retract the same to the position shown in Fig. 7. 'The lower face of the plate is provided with a socket 55 internally threaded to receive theupper end ofthe threaded plunger 32 when the plunger is retracted upwardly a suliicient distance for this purpose. v

The operation of advancing the lead is apparent from the description hereinbefore obvious among other things. that the'rotatable sleeve 30 will be turned when the sleeve 50 on 'the pencil head is revolved. lVhen so actuated, the plunger,

. will move up or down within the pencil according to the direction in whichthe head sleeve is rotated. If the plunger be propelled downwardly, a lead contained within tlie core will be propelled through the pencil to advance its point into writing position as far as desired. If the plunger be advanced lin the opposite direction, it will-withdraw from the lead and present itsupper end to the threaded socket of the eraser -plat 53. As the pencil head is revolved further. the upper end .of the plunger is threaded into the socket 55 for its full deptli,

and when this point is reached. the plunger and plate are connected so as' to advance the plate within the head to propel the eraser. Having advanced theJ eraser a desired distance, the sleeve 50 may be revolved in the opposite direction, this action causing the plunger to withdraw` its end from the socket 55, leaving the plate 53 in advanced position against. the eraser, asy shown in Fig. 9. This operation may be repeated as often as desired, until the eraser is used up. Any convenient instrument. such as a knife, may

f then be inserted into the slot 54 on the upper face of the plate to turn the plate back again into its lowerniost position, as indicated in Fig. 7, where it is ready to receive 'a new eraser.

lVhenever it is desired to insert into the pencil a new length of lead, the collar 45 is unscrewed 'from the upper end of the pencil body, and is then removed therefrom, together with the tube 30. and plunger 32 therein; at such a time a lead may be inserted into the axial opening of the pencil normally occupied by the tube 30. and under the action of gravity it tends to drop down .pasttlie beveled upper end of the core 22 until it lies wholly within the lower portion of the pencil abutting the end of the stub section of lead previously in use, or in frictioiial engagement with the constricted tip end of the pencil. The tube 30, together with the plunger 32, is then reinserted, the plunger lin being deflected by the slantng upper end 35 of the core 22 so as to enter within the slot 34. The collar 45 is lastly screwed in place vand this completes the reassembling of tlie parts, permitting them to again function.

The present pencil is designed to accommodate leads much longer than those generally used in mechanical pencils, and t-lie magazine is likewise constructed so as to accommodate an unusually large number of leads. The provision of the partition inembers not only serves to strengthen .the construction, butfit also causes the leads tobe aligned in circular relation, as best slioivi'i in Fig. 4, this arrangement preventing jamming of the leads within the magazine.

A special advantage is also realized by the use of the plate 27 which serves the double function of a bottom for the magazine and of a brace to prevent denting of the casing in the region of the upper end of the taper, where damage of this kind is most likelyto occur.

Throughout the several figures of the drawings, it will be understood that the saine or similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals, even where detailed description may have been omitted for the sake of brevity. It should also be perceived that several distinct inventions have been herein disclosed, such, for example, as the lead pi'osired. f

I claim: 1. A pencil having in the lower portion of its body a slotted core, a.' tube surroundfing the core and estending into the upper portion of the body, a threaded sleeve mounted for rotation within the tube above the core, and a threaded lead propelling plunger adapted to travel through the sleeve and core with rotation of the sleeve, the plunger being provided with a proJecting element arranged to lie within the'core s lot to prevent rotation of the plunger relative to the core, the upperl end of the core Ybeing formed to turn the plunger properly for aligning its projecting element with the slot therein, substantially as described.

2. A pencil having in its body lead propelling mechanism', including in combination a tube within the body provided iiiteriorly with means which present a groove for a portion of its length, a plunger adapted for longitudinal travel within the tube to propel a lead in advance of itself, an clement projecting laterally of the plunger adapted to travel within the groove, n ieans adjacent one end ofthe groove for guiding the projecting element into cooperating relation therewith, andan actuating member extending to the exterior of the pencil body mounted for rotation therewthin, the actuating member and plunger being formed with' co-operating threadsi whereby rotation of the `one causes propulsion of the other, substantially as described.

3. A pencil having in its body lead propelling mechanism, including in combination a-tube within the body provided interiorly with means which present a groove for a portion of its length, a plunger adapted for longitudinal travel within the tube to .propel a lead in advance of itself,.an element projecting laterally of the plunger adapted to travel within the groove, means adjacent one end of the groove for guiding the projecting element into co-operating relation therewith, and means operable .exteriorly of the pencil body for actuating the plunger thercwithin, substantially as 'described.

4. In a pencil, the combination of a tubular casing drawn to a taper at one end, a tube Within the casing abutting its walls near the extremity of their taper and formed with a shoulder in the region where said taper commences, lead propelling mechanism within the tube adapted to project a lead through the tapered end of the pencil, and a brace plate extending between the tube and casing in abutting relation to the shoulder on the'tube, and .serving, together with the end of the tube, to determine the position of the latter longitudinally of the casing, substantially as described.

5. A pencil embodying, in-combination, a hollow casing, a tube arranged Within the casing, lead propelling mechanism within the tube, and a plurality of partition mem'- bers arranged between the tube and casing, each of the said members consisting of two portions radially disposed and an arcshaped connecting portion adapted to lie adjacent the inner wall of thefcasing, substantially as described. n f

6. In a pencil, the combination with a hollow casing havinga tube therewithin in spaced relation to the casing Walls, the tube forming an enclosure for a lead propelling mechanism, of a magazine for leads within the space surrounding the tube, the magazine being subdivided into a plurality of chambers by means of sectional partitions each independent of theothers and formed of a spring material such that the several partitions are held in place by their own spring action, substantially as described.

7.i A pencil embodying, in combination',

a hollow casing,a`tube arranged within the casing, lead propelling mechanism within" the tube, and a plurality of partition members radially arranged between the tube and easing, each of the said members being formed ofspring material and adapted t0` remain in a fixed position within the casing under` the inuence of its spring action, substantially as described.

actuating means Ateriorly of the body and opera-ble by rota- 8. A pencil having a body closed except at its ends, a hollow member situated centrally of the body, a plunger arranged for travel within the,` member and adapted to advance a lead into operative position through one end of the pencil, means for retainingV an eraser at the opposite end of the pencil, the plunger being reversible in its travel to advance the eraser outwardly from the pencil, means for causing propulsion of the plunger, and a single actuating means eXteriorly of the pencil body for propelling the plunger in either direction to thereby advance either the lead or eraser, as desired, substantially as described.

9. A pencil having Within its body means for advancing into operative position" at one end thereof a lead, and into operative position at the opposite end thereof an eraser, and a single actuating means exteriorly of the pencil body for operating the propelling means therewithin, substantially as described.

10. A pencil having in its body means for propelling into operative position at one end thereof a lead', and into operative position at the other end thereof an eraser, and a single therefor situated extion relative thereto, substantially as described.

11. A pencil embodying in combination Within its body a combined lead and eraser propelling mechanism adapted to advance a'lead. through one end of the pencil into operative position, and an eraser at lthe other, and a single actuating means exteriorly of the pencil body for operating the propelling mechanism 'whereby either the lead or eraser may be advanced into operativeposition, substantially as described.

12. A pencil equipped with eraser retaining mea-ns rotatable with respect to the pencil body, a Combined lea'dand eraser propelling mechanism within the pencil adapted to advance either the lead or eraser, or both, into operative position, and operating means therefor adapted for actuation with rotation of the eraser retaining means, the direction of rotation determining whether it be -the lead or eraser that is propelled, substantially as described.

13. A pencil in which is movably mounted a. lead at one end and an era'scr at the other, a means Within the pencil body movably interposed between the lead and eraser adapted to advance toward either to effect a propulsion thereof Without affecting the other, and actuating means therefor exteriorly of the pencil, substantially as described.

14. A pencil in which is movably mounted a lead at one end and an eraser at the other, and a'single means for advancing either the lead or eraser into operative position without'all'ecting the other, substantially as described.

15. A pencil in which is movably mounted a lead at 'one end and an eraser at the other, and means independent of both the lead and eraser adapted to advance either into operative position, substantially as described.

propelling mechanism and exteriorly of its body, a4 rota-table eraser holder adapted also to function as an actuating means for the dead propelling means, a plate within the eraser holder having threaded engagement therewith and abultting relation to the eraser therein, the lead propellingr mechanism and parts associated with the eraser holder being operatively related to each other so as to produce relative rotation between the plate and eraser holder when the latter is properly rotated, substantially as described.

17. A pencil having within its body lead propelling mechanism and exteriorly of its body a. rotatable eraser holder and au eraser therein, said holder being adapted also to function as an actuating means for the lead propelling mechanism, and a plate within the eraser holder having threaded engagement therewith and abutting relation to the eraser therein, the lead propelling mech anism and parts associated with the eraser holder being operatively related to each other so as to hold the plate stationary during rotary movements of the eraser holder in one direction, substantially as described. 18. A pencil `having a rotatable head adapted to function as an eraser holder an eraser therein, a plate threaded within the holderin abutting relation to the rearend of theV eraser, and propelling means for the eraser adapted to produce relative rotation in one direction only between the eraser holder and plate tberewithin, substantially as described.

19. A pencil equipped y'with eraser retaining means rotatable with respect to the pencil body, a plunger adapted for longitudinal travel within the body, a threaded connection between the eraser retaining means and plunger whereby the latter is propelled upon rotation of the former, a plate movable longitudinally within the eraser retaining means to advance the eraser therewithin, the plunger when moved against the plate being adapted to propel the same together with the eraser for a desired distance, substantially as described.

20. A pencil having on one end a rotatable interorlythreaded eraser retaining sleeve, a plate threaded in the sleeve and adapted to lie behind an eraser therein, a threaded plunger mounted for longitudinal travel, but not for rotation, interorly of the pencil body, operating means therefor 16. A pencil having within its body lead adapted for actuation when the sleeve is rotated, the plate being formed with a threaded socket into which the plunger end may enter with operation of the parts whereby the plate is prevented from rotating with the sleeve to thereby propel the eraser outwardly, substantially as described.

21. A pencil having on one end a rotatable interiorly threaded eraser retaining sleeve,` a plate threaded in the sleeve and adapted to lie behind an eraser therein, a threaded plunger mounted for longitudinal travel but not for rotation interorly of the pencil body, operating means therefor adapted for' actuation when the sleeve is rotated, the plate being formed to lock with the plunger end upon operation of the parts whereby the plate is prevented from rotating with the sleeveto thereby propel the eraser outwardly, substantially as described.

22. A pencil having within its body a lead propelling means adjacent which is a chamber for reserve leads, means extending to the exterior of the body 'for actuating the lead propelling means, and means independent of the actuating means adapted to detachably maintain the latter operatively within the body'and to provide with the actuating means a closure for the reserve lead chamber. substantially as described.

23. A pencil having within its body a lead propelling mechanism, there being a space surrounding said mechanism within the body open at its upper end and forming a circular magazine for reserve leads, and means for actuating the lead propelling mechanism extending to the exterior' of the pencil body at its upper Aend and adapted to overlie the open end of the magazine, and means for detachably securing said actuating means to the pencil body whereby leads within the| magazine may be extracted, substantially as described.

24. A pencil having within its body a lead propelling mechanism. there being a space surrounding said mechanism within the body open at one end and forming a circularmagazine for reserve leads, and means for actuating the lead propelling mechanism cxtending to the exterior of the pencil body at the open end of the magazine and adapted to overlie the open end of the magazine, and means for detachably securing said actuating means to the pencil body whereby leads Within the magazine may be extracted, substantially as described.

25. A pencil whose body is formed of a hollow casing, a tube immovably secured centrally within the casing, lead propelling mechanism within the tube, there being a space surrounding the tube open at the upper end of the pencil and forming a magazine for `reserve leads, and mean-s for actuatingr the lead propelling mechanism extending to the exterior of the pencil body at its lll) Y upper end adapted to overlie the open end of the magazine, and means for detachably securing the said operating means to the -pencil body whereby leads may be removed from the magazine, substantially as described.

26. A pencil having in the lower portion of its body a slotted core, and in the upper portion of its body a sleeve mounted for rotation, the core and sleeve being in aligning but not telescoping rela Sion, a plunger adapted for travel through the sleeve and core, there being threads on the sleeve cooperating With threads on the plunger to cause propulsion of the latter with rotation of the former, and an element projecting laterally from the plunger into the slot of the core to hold the plunger against rotation therewithin, substantially as described.

27. A pencil having in one end portion of its body a sleeve and in another end portion of its body a Core, the core and sleeve being in aligning but not telescoping relation, one of ASaid elements being mounted for rotation relative to the other and having a slot formed longitudinally thereof, a plunger adapted for travel through the sleeve and core and having a projecting element adapt; ed to lie Within the slot to prevent rotation of the plunger relative to the elementin which such slot is formed, there being threads formed onv the other element and threads co-operating therewith formed on the plunger whereby relative rotation between the two elementsproduces longitudinal travel of the EPrmAIM BANNING. 

